Wat-o-Watto

Shane Robert Watson, born 17^th June 1981 Ipswich, Queensland, Australia.

Batting Style: Right-hand

Bowling Style: Right-arm fast medium

Role: All rounder, Opener

Yes, this post is solely dedicated to the hard hitting opening batsman from Jaipur Australia, Shane Watson a.k.a. Watto!

12 months ago no one knew whether Watto will ever complete a series going injury free and play an entire calendar year of cricket representing his national side. Believe me the unthinkable just happened. Watson was injured in the initial part of the Ashes test series, which as always brought question marks on his long term availability. But, no Symonds meant the Aussies and Ponting persisted with the half-fit Shane Watson. Poor show by Phil Hughes in the Ashes meant Ricky was looking at someone who can give it back to the Poms! In the 3^rd test it was decided Watson would open the innings with Simon Katich. I thought it was ridiculous, but India had already done that with Dinesh Karthik, Sanjay Bangar in England so, it wasn’t the biggest surprise to come. Watson ended with knocks of 62 and 53 in that test and pushed aside all of Ponting’s fears. Australia did lose the Ashes to England but thrashed them 6-1 in the 7 match ODI series. This was just the beginning of things as far as Shane Watson was concerned. He continued partnering Tim Paine in the Champions Trophy ’09 in South Africa which the Australians won eventually and come the 7 match ODI series in india despite losing Tim Paine to injury, Watto continued his success story this time with another opener Shaun Marsh. Watto was adjudged man of the series in which the Aussies beat India in India 4-2

So, this simply is a matter of just one question. Is this what Australia is seeking as a long term plan or this just a make shift procedure? When specialists like Hughes in tests and the likes of Warner, Marsh in limited over games are available is it the best option to opt for someone like Watson to open the innings? This easily accommodates for an extra batsman or even bowler, which Aussies are now comfortable playing especially in these troubled times of injuries and hectic cricket schedule.

But, for now the reason for toast has to be the dedication Shane Watson has shown in whatever role his captain has asked him to perform. It’s an inspirational story with a not so inspiring idea.